BRITISH PUB WEEK

That this House celebrates British Pub Week from 31 October to 8 November 2014; notes that the 48,000 pubs across the UK are often the heart of their communities, acting as community hubs, giving a place for community groups and sports teams, and also contribute significantly to charity; further notes many of them also run vital public services such as post offices, broadband and local shops; acknowledges pubs as being a key part of British history, heritage and culture; further acknowledges that beer and pubs contribute £22 billion to the economy, bring in £11 billion in tax revenue and support 900,000 jobs; commends hardworking publicans who keep the UK's pubs running and maintain safe, vibrant environments in which to drink, eat and socialise; expresses concern that on average 31 pubs a week are closing across the country; further expresses a desire to see a reversal of this trend and for government to take the necessary steps to support this; and wishes British pubs every success for years to come.